Versatile VP-550 vocal designer keyboard by Roland

For musicians who can’t accommodate a choir or group of background singers for their gigs or recording sessions, Roland introduced the VP-550 Vocal Designer Keyboard at winter Namm show 2006 and at Musikmesse Frankfurt. Much more than a traditional vocoder or harmonizer, the VP-550 uses Roland’s vocal-modeling technology to bring interactive vocal sounds to a dedicated instrument. Connect a mic, select a sound, and play to create classical choirs, soulful gospel, pop and jazz voices, male and female ensembles, vintage vocoder, and lush string/vocal hybrids.
The VP-550 can be used for a wide variety of musical applications. Musicians who perform alone or in small groups, for example, and who need an interactive, real-time backing chorus. Film and TV music composers who are challenged with time and budget can use the VP-550 to generate high-impact choral arrangements on the spot.
The VP-550's ensemble section is stocked with string samples that were made in collaboration with VSL (Vienna Symphonic Library). VSL supplied the high-quality wave data, which was combined with Roland's sound-design technology. The VP-550 is also equipped with high-resolution vocoder modeling, which can be used to generate surreal vocal effects.
The VP-550’s has no hidden menus, every feature has a dedicated button or slider that’s clearly labeled and easy to reach.